<p>CR, I don’t mean to be harsh. I believe my comparison was to the AP Exams, for which most students have prepared via a year of Honors studies followed by an AP course in the subject. I am fully aware of what is involved in the ABRSM exams through Grade 8 and even Grade 10, and winning the Distinction is certainly an achievement to be proud of. I still don’t think it is what is intended by the international designation on the Common App. OP is certainly entitled to list it that way if she likes. As someone who spent decades on Graduate School admissions committees, I am just giving my opinion that it doesn’t quite seem to fit the category of an International Award.</p>
<p>Twinkie: AP National Scholar with Honors is administered by the College Board, not the school. Similarly, National Merits. I suppose you might make the case that your ABRSM Distinctions are like the National Merits, but I feel again there is a difference in a “grade” on the exam, like “Distinction” “High Pass” ete. as opposed to a national or international competition for further Honors or Awards based on performance on the exam, like the National Merit Letter of Commendation, Semi-finalist or Finalist awards.</p>